More Work, Same Pay: The Hidden Struggle of College Teachers

Changes are coming to Utah's public universities. The Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) is introducing new rules. These rules aim to make things run smoother. But they might also make life harder for some teachers. The new policy, R-485, wants to make sure everyone is doing their fair share. It focuses on full-time teachers who are not on the path to tenure. These teachers, called career-line faculty, might see their workload increase. This means more classes to teach without extra pay. One teacher in the Philosophy Department shares their story. They usually teach three classes each semester. These classes are not easy. They need a lot of prep work. The teacher also spends extra time helping students outside of class. With the new rules, they might have to teach a fourth class. This would mean more work for the same salary.Teachers are already working long hours. Adding another class is not just a little more work. It's a big jump. Think of it like cooking. Making one fancy meal is hard. Making four at the same time is much harder. Each meal has its own steps and timing. The same goes for teaching multiple classes. Many teachers in this situation earn less than average. They make up for it with summer jobs. This extra income helps them pay bills and visit family. But with more classes, they might not have time for summer work. This could make life even tougher. Teachers love their jobs. They find teaching rewarding. But they should not have to give up their well-being for their work. University leaders need to listen. They need to understand the impact of these changes. Teachers are the backbone of education. They deserve fair treatment.